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An energy organization was launched today with the aim of giving consumers a strong voice in electricity matters in the face of the worsening power crisis in the country.
Led by its youth convenor, Francine Pradez, ILAW was launched in a press conference where consumers from different parts of the country, such as Batangas and Palawan, also shared their grievances.
According to Pradez, ILAW wants to be a platform for consumers, regardless of their age, to have a voice, to promote the change they desire for the Philippines and to be a brave and safe space to encourage other Filipinos to strive towards fairness, as far as -so, and affordable electricity service.
She added, the Philippines has been plagued by many electricity issues in recent months that have affected the lifestyle, business, and even education of the Filipino people.
More than 4.5 million people in Panay and Guimaras were affected by the widespread Panay Island blackout on January 2, which resulted in a P3.7 billion loss to the local economy of Iloilo province.
Dr. Tony Cabrestante, Lead Convenor of the Palawan Consumer Coalition, shared that his countrymen have suffered due to the unreliable supply of electricity that greatly affects businesses, households and health services in their area. From 14 pesos per kwh in December, the electricity bill in the province will increase to 17 pesos this year.
Nor has the perversion brought by a series of brownouts to households and even small and large businesses in Batangas has ended.
According to Arven Bravo, Batangas Convenor, repeated power outages cause delays and slow down their work and business: “Sa madalas na walang ilaw, may mga establisimyentong napipilitang magsara dahil walang generator o hindi sapat ang generator power. Nakakalungkot dahil kung ang maliliit na businesses ramdam ito, ano pa ang mga malalaking kumpanya?”
Bravo also said that their plight is exacerbated by various factors like every time there is a typhoon, Luzon has a yellow grid. We call for proper power infrastructure to strengthen our preparedness whenever there is a power problem.
Dr. Cabrestante and colleagues in Batangas are grateful with the support of ILAW in their fight for affordable and accessible electricity for their community.
Dr. Cabrestante said: “Kami ay nagpapasalamat sa ILAW bilang isang power consumer grassroots organization dahil sa dedikasyon nilang simulan ang laban nito para sa ikagiginhawa ng ating mga kababayan, lalo na rito sa Palawan at Puerto Princesa City na naghihirap dahil sa napakamahal na kuryente.”
Bravo added: “ILAW is a chance for our voices to be heard, and ILAW calls for better information for all Filipino consumers, and outright action from our stakeholders.”
“The time for action is now,” said Pradez. “Ngayon na ang perpektong panahon upang pag-usapan ang mga isyung ito bilang isang grassroots organization na mula, para, at kasama ang mga konsyumer lalo na ang pagtaguyod sa kanilang kapakanan at ang pagbigay panatag sa kanilang loob mula sa mga alalahanin.”
